Marvel: The Lost Generation is something from my obscure Marvel list I finally got to read. This series is so hard to find that your best bet to find it is through MyComicShop.com. Either that or finding the second volume of Marvel Universe by John Byrne. Way more expensive but at least you get Byrne’s time with the Thing and She-Hulk graphic novel. Also there’s his and Claremont’s Iron Fist run which the Netflix show tried to adapt and fail.
In any case, Marvel has a reputation with its sliding timeline. For example, the Punisher originally went to the Vietnam War while modern renditions make this into Afghanistan. So Byrne and Roger Stern craft a superhero team to fill in the gaps when Captain America was on ice. But what makes the First Line more unique to say the What If? 50s Avengers? Well it’s presented in a manner similar to the Christopher Nolan movie Memento.
Marvel: The Lost Generation of Heroes
The series follows the First Line as well as time traveler Cassandra Locke.
Would it help if I mention Marvel’s shapeshifting aliens, the Skrulls? In the 22nd century, the Skrulls are attempting to invade Earth under the cover of a peace treaty. Cassandra, finding out about their plot tries to expose their war crimes that have been obscured by history. Only to find herself in the battle that takes out most of the First Line.
This is a very bold move on the creative team, starting from the end of a super team’s story. So the reader proceeds to follow Cassandra as she goes back further in time, with readers learning more about the First Line. As readers see these characters’ development from their personalities to what drives them, they grow more attached to them. Which makes their end all the more tragic when readers actually get to issue #1.
The Limits Of The Bold
While the approach to start from #12 in a maxi-series is a creative way to tell the story, it might also have led to this series not doing well in sales. First issues are meant to get readers immersed in the characters’ and the series’ tone. When it comes to first impressions, this series suggests it’s a simple tragedy with characters nobody knows. But that ignores how Marvel: The Lost Generation finds its appeal amid all of the surprises it has in store. For example, issue 11 has a subplot where a guy tries to tell everybody about a Skrull invasion. But since this is before the modern Marvels, nobody believes him. By the time the man finds a pre-Fantastic Four Reed Richards, it turns out he was actually a Skrull with memory loss.
While there is plenty of tragedy, there are fun plots as well as character moments people miss out on. But when you have Ultimate Spider-Man, Busiek’s Avengers, and memes like Sentry, publishers tend to push innovative ideas into the back seat. Even the issue actually labeled #1 doesn’t have an introduction to the whole team, which can confuse some people. Remember #1 issues tend to be best sellers and this anomaly isn’t a priority.
In fact this series is best read in a trade, which this series doesn’t have outside of an omnibus!
Why You Should Care About Marvel: The Lost Generation
Now it’s time for my real attempt to try and convince you to show interest in this series. Let’s start with the characters.
Pixie and Oxbow
Pixie of the Eternals leaves one of the best impressions. As an immortal, she makes the most appearances in the series. But while her power to release petrifying dust is unique, it’s her relationships that stand out. Because you know, having nothing but time can get lonely, plus she’s loyal to friends even after centuries. Her most reoccurring love interest is Oxbow, the half-Chipewya bruiser of an archer. With Pixie and the rest of the First Line, he has a place to belong after being ostracized as a half-Caucasian.
Black Fox and Company
Then there’s Black Fox, one of two Batman pastiches in the series. Originally a swashbuckler, his relationship with this identity is unique to say the least. He’s been in and out of retirement because he wants a life outside of heroism. But between the tragic death of his love interest, finding her killer, and his loyalty to the First Line he’s always ready for action. He also gets an infatuated admirer from the daughter of two hippie superheroes who call Black Fox a fascist. That might have to do with an encounter with him that got worse with memory loss.
Yankee Clipper and Mister Justice
Next, we have the First Line’s founder Yankee Clipper and his younger brother Mister Justice. Clipper was one of the many inspired by Captain America to do right in his country. An encounter with Cassandra gives him the means to do so as her time travel belt also increases physical strength. With Cassandra dying in his arms and telling Clipper the future, he prepares for it with his brother and friends.
Originally known as Kid Justice, Clipper’s younger brother served as his sidekick. But upon Clipper’s disappearance and the death of his teammate and girlfriend, Liberty Girl, he felt he had to fill his brother’s shoes. It works out pretty well as Mister Justice proves himself capable of resisting torture. Not only that he gets a compassionate doctor amnesty from his country’s dictatorship. But it wasn’t easy as when the brothers reunite, their interactions feel like years of burdens coming off.
Effigy
Finally we have the lynch pin to the First Line and the Skrulls, Effigy. Originally a Skrull scout, his transition from invader to hero is a fascinating one. First he starts off as a spy climbing through the ranks of Earth’s military trying to help his commander. But American culture and losing contact with his ship have him rethink his position. Not to mention the thought of becoming Captain America causes an interesting thoughts on identity. He wants to be himself but has to keep his powers a secret. So when an opportunity in a shapeshifting ray arises, he takes advantage of it to become a superhero. Even if that meant turning away from the Skrulls and his home entirely.
Other Bits of Marvel: The Lost Generation
There’s actually a lot of fun and interesting parts in Marvel: The Lost Generation. You have guest appearances from Thor, Ditko-era Doctor Strange, even Ulysses Bloodstone. Never heard of that last guy? He’s Elsa Bloodstone’s deadbeat dad. Who? Look there’s a lot of potential for the Bloodstone family and Marvel should capitalize on it.
Anyway, the overall plot serves as a great framing device for these disconnected adventures. They each reference parts of history like the formation of SHIELD and the Baxter Building. Not only that some characters have stories that’re great for revisits. Yeti’s relationships with one-off character Rapunzel and Skrull lady Korya can fill readers heads for a long time. Everything’s so complex it would’ve taken too long to get through without time travel.
Remember The First Line
Marvel: The Lost Generation is one title that looks like is going to be lost to time. Partly because with events like Secret Invasion, the First Line’s efforts have become irrelevant.
That’s a darn shame because it’s an experience that plays with a central mechanic of the sliding timeline. With characters that can leave an impression for years to come like Pixie in just a few issues, this was something special. Makes me wonder if Marvel would revisit this scenario in titles like Exiles.